Smoky quartz pebble United States A

Smoky rock crystal belongs to the large family of microcrystalline quartz. This smoky color, with all tones of brown to black, is due to the natural irradiation of the aluminum salts it contains. In fact, this color is caused by the presence of radioactivity in the natural environment where the mineral evolved.

This rock crystal is silicon dioxide and comes from magmatic formation. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It is often translucent, rarely opaque with a vitreous sheen.

The etymology of the name crystal comes from the ancient Greek “krystallos” meaning ice, used by the Greek Theophrastus around - 325 / - 300 BC. It indicates that at that time, rock crystal was thought to be ice solidified by the gods. The Greeks attributed rock crystal as an offering to Gaia, mother goddess, maternal ancestor of the divine races.

There are very few stories and no legends regarding smoky rock crystal, also called smoky quartz.

On the other hand, in the 12th century in China, smoked rock crystal lenses were used to make the first sunglasses. In reality, their goal was not to protect the eyes from the sun but to hide them. At that time, these glasses were intended for Chinese judges, who were not expected to let their emotions show and have a completely impassive face. Thus, during the trials, the judges appeared completely impartial.

At the same time, in Tibet, smoked rock crystal glasses were used to protect the eyes against the reflection of rays on the snow.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, smoky quartz or smoky rock crystal was widely used in Scotland in the manufacture of brooches and daggers. Brooches were used to decorate kilts and daggers had to match them. The inhabitants of the Highlands traditionally wore these daggers inside the sock while leaving the handle, made of the same material as the brooch, protruding. In Braemar Castle, located in the north of Scotland, there is a huge smoky rock crystal weighing more than 23 kg.

Later, in the 19th century, clairvoyants replaced their transparent rock crystal balls with smoky rock crystal balls. They believed that the smoke of rock crystal made it possible to hide from the eyes of the uninitiated the oracles revealed by their divining ball.

Nowadays, smoky rock crystal is used by jewelers in the making of their jewelry and sometimes in the sculpture of ornamental objects. The most intense and very translucent smoky colors, without inclusions, are the most appreciated. It should be noted that the beauty of smoky rock crystal is particularly highlighted in the glow of the sun.

The main deposits are found in Brazil, the United States, Madagascar, etc.

Smoky rock crystal is perfect for people on whom white transparent rock crystal causes too powerful energy. This mineral generates lucidity and calms strong emotions that can interfere with decision-making. It also improves concentration.

This smoky rock crystal wards off negative ideas and states of intense sadness. It helps to overcome fears and anxieties. It allows you to move forward and restores self-confidence. Furthermore, it develops openness towards others, strengthens compassion and listening. It gives the strength to manage the different obstacles of life.

This stone is an anchor stone. It facilitates connection to the Earth and true values. It allows a better connection between body and mind and provides calm. This serenity removes doubts, removes contradictions and increases harmony. It tempers people with overly hot tempers, encourages them to think.

Smoky rock crystal can stabilize mood and encourage reflection. Thus, this can generate awareness and the refocusing of energies on more reasonable, more accessible objectives. This will avoid disillusionment and failure. In fact, it provides stability, framework and organization.